Article & Photos by Mark Girdauskas

Sunday July 17, the FCSSC (Forest City Sport and Social Club) RugRat BackPack Beach Volleyball Tournament took place in Port Stanley. The group is proud to support the United Way's GenNext. The tournament helped raise awareness, funds and effort to beat poverty and promote education for children in London and area. The goal is to help children start the new school year right, with a new backpack and essential school supplies. One in four children in London begins the school year unprepared to learn. They say that children are our future, and with out the proper start they already have a strike against them.
GenNext is United Way of London & Middlesex's initiative to engage the 20-30 year-old demographic to become actively involved in shaping their community.
GenNext is United Way of London & Middlesex's initiative to engage the 20-30 year-old demographic to become actively involved in shaping their community.

As I walked the beach towards the courts it was a beautiful summer day, families enjoyed soaking up the sun, and playing in the water. The courts where all groomed and ready for battle lol. People playing were all having a fun time and enjoying the day, the teams were all great sports and enjoying the game. You could tell the experienced players-they kept their socks on - the hot sand was little distracting for some. (Left are Kyla Woodcock and Sarah Carmichael from the Forest City Sport & Social Club.)

As the matches played on, so did the live music from GT's. The duo called Toast and Jam played covers and kept the crowd jumping.
One of the sponsors was FM 96 - Jaynel is the radio station's Director of Summer and was there cheering on the teams and helping out. Between the smiles and diving for the volleyball, good times were had by all.
One of the sponsors was FM 96 - Jaynel is the radio station's Director of Summer and was there cheering on the teams and helping out. Between the smiles and diving for the volleyball, good times were had by all.